So you’re planning a trip to Paris! *Pops some Champagne.* You’re going to love the French capital, it’s one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason.
The stellar fashion, historic architecture and tantalizing food will provide plenty of entertainment while you’re there, but you’re still in the planning stages. One of the first things you’ll have to decide is where to stay in Paris.
Luckily you have a Francophile in your corner, me! I’ve visited six times and have discovered some of the best places to stay in Paris (and also a few to stay away from). Don’t let my experiences go to waste!
In this article I’ll explain what arrondissements are and share the best places to stay in Paris with you. I’ll break it down by experience, because the best areas to stay in Paris with a family won’t be the same for honeymooners etc.
I’m so excited, I love talking about Paris. So without further ado, let’s dive right in.
Tips for deciding on Where to Stay in Paris
- Decide what type of experience you’re after. When deciding where to stay in Paris you’ll first have to determine why you’re actually visiting. Somebody going to Paris on business will want to stay in a different part of Paris than someone who’s going for the nightlife. Once you iron out the purpose behind your visit you’ll have a better lens to decide where to stay in Paris.
- List your top attractions. Although a walkable city that’s also well connected by public transportation, choosing your top attractions can be helpful when deciding where to stay in Paris. Make a Google Map and add pins to your top attractions, if there’s a cluster of pins a certain neighborhood it’s likely worth considering.
- Determine your budget & book in advance. I’m not too proud of to beg, I implore you! Please book your stay well in advance! Hotel prices go up the closer you get to your trip and you don’t want to be left scrambling last minute. Deciding where to stay in Paris ahead of time gives you the ability to pick from a wide availability of hotels rather than rummaging through scraps.
Why are Paris’ neighborhoods known as arrondissements?
You likely have heard arrondissements, but they might confuse you when you’re deciding where to stay in Paris. Allow me to explain. Arrondissements is the French word for districts. Each arrondissement is given both a number and a name, however some popular neighborhoods in Paris straddle multiple arrondissements.
Confusing? It’s okay. Let’s break it down some more. In 1860 Baron Haussmann was instructed by Emperor Napoleon III to renovate the city. He was told to make it more beautiful, clean and efficient.
One of the steps Haussman took was creating the arrondissement system. He numbered the districts, starting at the Île de la Cité (the island where the Notre Dame sits on the Seine River) and working in a spiral, like a snail’s shell. That’s why the first arrondissement is next to the eighth, the third near the 11th etc. It’s not linear.
The arrondissements help break the city up into bite-size pieces. Now instead of organizing things like garbage-pickup, schools, police precincts etc. for an entire city, Paris was able to make city planning more digestable.
In this article I’ll be recommending neighborhoods, not arrondisements, since I think they’re a bit more helpful when deciding where to stay in Paris. The two ends of a district can have different vibes and by sticking to neighborhoods I’ll be able to give you the most accurate representation of what an area is likely.
Where to Stay in Paris
Where to stay in Paris with Kids: The Latin Quarter
Back in the day universities across Europe taught in Latin, the language of the intellectuals. As home to a variety of universities, the area between the fifth and sixth arrondissements came to be known as the Latin Quarter.
You’ll find the neighborhood on the southern bank of the Seine River, the universities blending in with the city landscape. It’s centrally located and offers public transport, giving you access to the entire city.
It’s one of the best places to stay in Paris with families because it’s safe and full of things to do with kids. There’s gardens, museums and of course the Seine River all eager to provide your littles with a memorable trip.
At first you might be thinking, “I don’t want to stay in a neighborhood full of frat houses and beer pong” but surprisingly – the Latin Quarter is one of the quietest areas in Paris to stay.
That’s not to say the parents will struggle finding a place to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, but by and large this is one of the best places to stay in Paris with kids.
Best Things to do the Latin Quarter
Visit the Luxembourg Gardens:
The Jardin du Luxembourg was commissioned by Marie de’ Medici after her sweet thang, King Henry IV, died and left her a (very rich) widow. She decided the Louvre was no longer a suitable residence and built the Luxembourg Palace in imitation of the place she was born — Pitti Palace in Florence.
Today it’s one of the most famous gardens in the world, and makes the Latin Quarter one of the best places to stay in Paris with kids. There’s ample space to run around, but unlike most parks in the U.S. there isn’t a playground.
Instead it’s home to one of the best things to do in Paris with kids, sailing miniature sailboats in the Grand Bassin (an artificial pond at the center of the garden). You can bring your own boat (good luck fitting it into your carry on) or rent one from a stall that’s parked in front of the pond during the spring and summer.
Enjoy a sunset on the Seine:
Charming, fun and memorable the Seine River sunsets are not to be taken for granted. The famous river runs through the heart of Paris and during sunset reflects the sky’s cotton candy colors.
Bring a bottle of wine and some snacks and park yourself along the water, trying not to blink in fear of missing even just a moment. The access to the river makes the Latin Quarter one of the best places to stay in Paris, especially for folks on a budget (because it’s free, nightly entertainment) or for those who enjoy playing locals during a trip.
Visit the Pantheon:
Indeed, Paris has its own Pantheon inspired by the one in Rome. It’s one of the prettiest buildings in the city, standing tall in one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris.
You can tour the inside, after the French Revolution it was turned into a mausoleum for notable French citizens. Voltaire, Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas all call the Pantheon their final resting place.
You can also climb the dome, where the whole of Paris unfurls at your feet like a map. From here you can look down on the city, including the Latin Quarter, one of the best places to stay in Paris.
Peruse the National Museum of Natural History:
One of the best museums in Paris (especially for kids), the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle is nicknamed the “The Louvre of Natural Science.” Inside there’s an abundance of animal skeletons, minerals, crystals and plants.
The museum also boasts a public garden that’s great for exercise or a reprieve from the hustle of city life. The green-space alone is one of the reasons the Latin Quarter is one of the best places to stay in Paris.
Where to eat in the Latin Quarter
You can’t be one of the best places to stay in Paris and not offer great food. Here’s a few, quick recommendations:
- Dinner: Le Coupe Chou is a Latin Quarter hot-spot thanks to mouthwatering French dishes and the service to match. The restaurant is inside four houses from the 14th, 16th and 17th centuries.
- Drinks: Le Piano Vache is a dive-bar that sells drinks at a lower rate than what you’ll find elsewhere in the city. They also have live jazz on Mondays, which is an added reason to visit.
- Desserts: A. Lacroix Patisserie is a dessert shops that not only makes sweet treats, it offers great views of the Notre Dame Cathedral. They make some of the most underrated macarons in Paris!
Best Hotels in the Latin Quarter
Where to stay in Paris for Nightlife: Bastille
My most recent visit to France was a month-long stay in Bastille and this neighborhood was a hoot from the minute the cab dropped us off. Full of bars, restaurants and nightclubs Bastille is where to stay in Paris if you’re looking to party.
The neighborhood is split mostly between the 11th and 12th arrondissements, but it also puts its pinky toe over the border into the 4th arrondissement. Named after a prison that helped spark the French Revolution, Bastille is full of history and in a great location. The namesake Bastille metro station can help get you anywhere in the city.
And going back to that party-vibe, even the locals seem to partake in the festivities. From my loft I had neighbors singing karaoke well past midnight both below and above me. I’ll say this isn’t a desirable place to stay in Paris for those who need it dead-silent to sleep.
Things to do in Bastille
Grab some drinks:
I mean this is why you’re here, ain’t it? Bastille is one of the best places to stay in Paris thanks to the abundance of bars and clubs serving crispy beers and refreshing cocktails.
Without getting too much into specifics (exploring and bar-hopping is part of the fun) I suggest you start your evening on the Rue de Lappe. It’s a narrow, cobblestone street that is lined on both ends by enough bars and restaurants to make the Las Vegas strip jealous.
You can easily start on one end, stopping for one drink at each restaurant and not be done until after midnight. The place swells with both locals and tourists alike, so if you’re a social drinker you’ll have a blast.
Clubbing is one of the best things to do in Paris at night, and Bastille has its share of dance floors where you can bust a move. Some of the best can be found on the Rue de Lappe too, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. 😉
Shop the Marche Bastille:
The Marche de Bastille is a weekly market that sells everything from clothing to fresh fish. It’s like a pop-up Costco where haggling is allowed. Full of quirky souvenirs, pastries and random finds it’s a fun place for a stroll.
The market is open on Thursdays and Sundays and the vendors set up shop as early as 7AM. If you’re in search of where to stay in Paris and want access to fresh groceries to cook in your hotel or Airbnb, the Marche Bastille is a great selling point for the neighborhood.
Enjoy a show at the Bastille Opera:
The Opera National de Paris is a 350+ year old institution that performs some of the best stage-productions anywhere in the world.
One of their main opera houses is in Bastille and whether it’s ballet, opera or a concert, be prepared to be wowed.Seeing a show is one of the best ways to spend an evening in the neighborhood, not only because of the world-class entertainment but because of the pageantry of it all.
You get to dress up in your best outfit, drink fancy champagne and have a ball. As fancy as it feels, you can still find tickets online for under €20 and still have cash leftover for dinner!
Where to eat in Bastille
How can I say Bastille is one of the best areas to stay in Paris and not suggest some grub?
- Breakfast: Aux 2 Anges is a bakery in the heart of Bastille that makes delicious pastries and baguettes. I was lucky to have it down the street while I was in Paris, I started every morning with coffee and a croissant.
- Dinner: Fujiyaki Japanese Restaurant brings sushi to Paris in spectacular fashion. After inadvertently stumbling in one day my husband and I came back at least four more times within the span of a month.
- Drinks: Berliner Wunderbar has a unique way of being lively yet intimate. The bar brings tasty German beer to France and is a great place to enjoy a few rounds.
Best hotels in Bastille
Where to stay in Paris to Shop: Le Marais
Who would’ve thought that a former swamp would one day become one of the most chic, trendiest, beautiful places to stay in Paris? Le Marais is a goldmine for boutiques, cafes and wine bars that will have you out, exploring from sunup to sundown.
The neighborhood is on the north bank of the Seine River in the fourth arrondissement. To the east lies Bastille and to the west you have the first arrondissement, home of the Louvre and some of Paris’ most famous landmarks.
It’s no wonder so many of France’s nobles and elites have called the neighborhood home. There are green-spaces and museums galore, and an unrivaled access to the rest of Paris.
You’re in the middle of the action, and between you and the rest of Paris are enough stores to drive you silly. If you’re in search the best place to stay in Paris to shop, you can’t do much better than Le Marais.
The added benefit is with so many stores close to where you’re staying in Paris you won’t have trek your shopping bags far. 😉
Things to do Le Marais
Visit one of the many museums:
Le Marais is one of the best places to stay in Paris thanks to its proximity to so many of the city’s best museums.
The neighborhood is home to the Centre Pompidou, Musée Carnavalet, the Museum of Hunting and Nature, and Musée Picasso – among others.
If the weather goes south during your visit you’ll agree Le Marais is one of the best places to stay in Paris, the museums provide entertainment while keeping you cozy.
And some museums, like the Maison de Victor Hugo, won’t cost you a dime. Le Marais is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris because there’s more than one attraction you can visit for free!
Max out your credit card:
Okay, don’t max out your credit, but you get the sentiment. Le Marais is among the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris for shopaholics.
Whether you’re after big box, chain stores or one of a kind boutiques Le Marais has some of the best shopping in Paris. Big or small budget, designer brands or second-hand, seriously you’ll find it all.
One of the destinations I recommend is BHV Marais, a seven-story department store selling clothes, home goods and more. Another is the Westfield Forum Les Halles, a mall that is technically just outside the neighborhood.
Even better, just get lost. The neighborhood is one of the best places to stay in Paris because it’s so walkable. Peruse the streets and see if anything catches your eye. Step into stores you normally wouldn’t, just for fun.
Picnic at the Place des Vosges:
Dating back to 1605, the Place des Vosges is the former stomping grounds of French royals and nobility. Today it’s one of the prettiest parks in the city, surrounded on all sides by beautiful buildings and irresistible cafes.
On any given day you’ll find the park littered with locals sprawled out on picnic blankets, and you should join them! Swing by a cafe for a pastry and cozy-up under a tree, gawking at Parisian life.
And with Le Marais being one of the most popular places to stay in Paris you’ll soon realize that the park is a common resting-ground for folks from all around the globe. It gets packed, especially on a sunny afternoon!
Snap a photo at the Hôtel de Ville:
When I visited Paris for the first time and walked past the Hôtel de Ville I thought, how much does a night in that cost?! The thing is huge! It looks like a place where royalty lives and I’d have to shower before being let in.
It wasn’t until later that I found out it’s not really a hotel, it’s actually city hall. Then I thought, I need to befriend the mayor. The Hôtel de Ville is one of the most popular things to see in Le Marais, its courtyard is never empty.
The reason I say stopping by for a photo in front of the Hôtel de Ville is one of the best things to do in Le Marais is because you usually can’t tour the inside. A photo is good enough for me, the exterior is gorgeous.
Where to Eat in Le Marais
After all that shopping you’ll have to refuel right? Here are some restaurants that help make Le Marais one of the best places to stay in Paris.
- Breakfast: Back in Black is one of the best cafes in Paris. You can grab a coffee to go, bring a laptop and get some work done or have a full on meal (which is what I recommend).
- Dinner: Chez Janou is my go-to restaurant in the city and a place I recommend every first time visitor try. You may need to go to the restaurant early to get a reservation for the following day since it’s so busy! This joint alone makes Le Marais one of the best places to stay in Paris.
- Drinks: Collier de la Reine, I will remember you no matter how far apart we are. Serving innovative cocktails and delicious wine, Collier de la Reine is a seafood restaurant whose drinks are worth the stop alone.
Best hotels in Le Marais
Interested in more? I have an entire post diving into the best things to do in Le Marais! Check it out for more ideas.
Where to stay in Paris for Romance: Montmartre
Montmartre is where hopeless romantics are born, the neighborhood is a fairy tale in real life. Famous for being the home of the magnificent Basilique du Sacré Couer de Montmartre how could this place not be inspiring?
The neighborhood is perched atop the highest hill in the city, making it the best place to stay in Paris for stunning views. Every day locals and tourists alike flock to the basilica to enjoy the stunning panorama.
Located in the 18th arrondissement, Montmartre has attracted dreamers for decades. This the place artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Pablo Picasso and Maurice Utrillo decided to call home.
From the neighborhoods winding, hilly roads to the charming cafes to the jaw-dropping vistas, Montmartre, simply put, is inspiring. It’s one of the best places to stay in Paris for anyone in a creative field, there are so many muses.
Things to do in Montmartre
Tour the Sacre Couer:
Of course no list of things to do in Montmartre would be complete without mentioning the star of the show!The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris (Sacré-Cœur Basilica) is a breathtaking masterpiece.
The magnificent church was built in the Romano-Byzantine style at the end of the 19th century, and still used to this day as an important house of worship. Touring the inside is free (but there is usually a line).
And like I previously mentioned, the views from the basilica are some of the best in the city. On any given day you’ll see swarms of tourists laid out on the lawn enjoying the views.
Catch a show at Moulin Rouge:
had heard the name “Moulin Rouge” for years before actually learning what it is. For those in a similar boat, Le Moulin Rouge translates to “The Red Mill” and it’s the home of the most famous cabarets in the world!
The cabaret opened in 1889, the same year that Paris hosted the World’s Fair (and built another iconic landmark). Tourists from around the world flocked to the French capital and many stopped by Moulin Rouge, growing its fame and in a lot of ways, its notoriety (because the dancing was of a provocative nature).
As time would tell Moulin Rouge became a bona fide homerun. More than 130 years later it’s still one of Paris’ most recognizable landmarks. You can book tickets for dinner and a show online!
Get your portrait done at Place du Tertre:
In the very heart of Montmartre is an artist hot pocket you cannot afford to miss. Found at Place du Tertre (a public square), there is a congregation of talented artists selling original artwork al fresco.
The most common art you’ll find are caricature portraits. Folks sit down in front of an artist and have themselves painted or drawn. Having said that, if you want to leave with a souvenir one of the best things to do in Montmartre is to have a portrait of yourself drawn up.
Peruse the artwork at Le Musée de Montmartre:
You know you’re a cool neighborhood when you have a museum dedicated to the art that was created within you.
That’s exactly what the Musee de Montmartre is, and I’m glad it exists because too many artists called the neighborhood home for me to single-handedly pick them out and analyze their work.
The building itself is one of the oldest homes in Montmartre and the former studio of both Auguste Renoir and Suzanne Valadon.
And even if you have no idea who any of the artists are (like me, before I visited) the museum does a phenomenal job presenting everything in a digestible way. I came in a buffoon and left a connoisseur of impressionist art. ????
Where to eat in Montmartre
Romance and good food go together, you can’t have one without the other. Luckily Montmartre is one of the best places to stay in Paris for some great grub.
- Coffee: KB Café is at the foot of the hill that leads to the Sacré Couer and makes a delectable cup of coffee. Either enjoy it at their charming cafe or take it to go as you enjoy one of the best places to stay in Paris.
- Lunch: Le Consulat is a famous restaurant where you can order French staples like onion soup, mussels and frog legs. And unlike most other Parisian buildings joined at the hip with its neighbors, Le Consulat sits at the end of a street posing like a model at the end of a runway.
- Drinks: Terrass Hotel’s Rooftop Bar is a stunning place to enjoy a cocktail. You get stunning views all the way to the Eiffel Tower. Cocktails will run you anywhere from 10 to 17€, which is pretty on par with Paris.
Word of warning: Le Maison Rose is one of the most famous restaurants in Montmartre (especially after being featured in Emily in Paris) but the food doesn’t live up to the hype. I suggest snapping a photo and moving on!
Best Hotels in Montmartre
Montmartre is too charming a neighborhood to not warrant its own post. Read 20+ Memorable Things to Do in Montmartre (That’ll Leave You Inspired).
Most Luxurious Place to Stay in Paris: Opera District
Whether you’re treating yourself, a trust-fund baby or just won the lottery sometimes you just want to go all out. If this shoe fits, the Opera District is the best place to stay in Paris for you.
The neighborhood can be found in the 9th arrondissement, which is north of the Louvre.
It’s hard not to be taken-aback by the intricate architecture and detailed accents on the buildings. The Palais Garnier opera, from which the neighborhood gets its name, is strikingly elegant and sets the standard.
Full of luxurious restaurants, elegant buildings and designer stores you will not struggle finding ways to spend money. Just remember, you’ll have to come back to the real-world some day so don’t blow all your money in one place. 😉
There’s also an impressive amount of hotels in the neighborhood. If you’re lucky enough to stay in one of them just know, I’m willing to crash on the couch.
Things to do in the Opera District:
Drain your savings at Galeries Lafayette:
You can shop the entire Opera District, walking up and down its streets until your feet are blistering. With that said, I’ll give you a good starting point: Galeries Lafayette.
It’s luxury department store catered to those with no self-control of their spending (aka, me). Every major designer you can think of can be found under the one, majestic roof.
Seriously, the store looks like an eight-story palace that’s worth visiting, even if you don’t plan on doing any retail-therapy. The store also has a free, rooftop terrace offering one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.
Galeries Lafayette has more than one location. When you’re looking for the best shopping in Paris and want to head to their best branch be sure to GPS Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Enjoy a show at Palais Garnier:
Commissioned by Napoleon III in 1861, construction of the Palais Garnier took a whopping 14 years to complete. It would be the only and official Paris Opera for over 100 years, until the Opera Bastille opened in 1989.
Seeing a show is electric and memorable, the 1,900+ capacity theater all cheering in unison. Even if you don’t see a show, you can take a self-guided tour of the interior for less than €20.
But if budget does allow, seeing a show is riveting. There are concerts, operas and ballets all performed at Palais Garnier and if you choose to see a show you’ll agree that the Opera District is one of the best places to stay in Paris.
Visit the Musée de la Vie Romantique:
Musee de la Vie Romantique translates to the Museum of Romantic Life. The museum doesn’t cover the topic of love, rather it analyzes the pieces of the Romantic Art Movement.
The museum was the home-base of painter Ary Scheffer, a close friend to the second-to-last King of France, Louis-Phillipe. Scheffer also had a relationship with his neighbor George Sands (Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin), one of the most popular writers in Europe.
The museum is small but has just enough room to cover Scheffer and Sands’ work, sprinkling in some more art pieces throughout. Plus swinging by the museum is one of the best free things to do in Paris, the only part of it that costs money are any temporary exhibits.
Where to eat in the Opera District:
Just because the Opera District is luxurious doesn’t mean you have to break the bank for a meal. Here’s some suggestions:
- Pastries: Mamiche makes the kind of pastries that will have you contemplating living in Paris. They make inspiring cinnamon rolls that are so good they’ll make you want to fall in love. They’re one of the best cheap eats in Paris too, helping you save some money in this expensive neighborhood.
- Dinner: Restaurant Mieux emphasizes fresh, quality food and serves it in a casual yet professional setting. It doubles as a casual date spot as well as a foodie-destination.
- Drinks: Wine Therapy Bar à Vins & Bistrot is a great place to unwind after a day scurrying around the city. Expect passionate employees pouring stellar wine in a laid back setting.
Best hotels in the Opera District:
Best All-Around Place to Stay in Paris: Saint Germain
Saint Germain des Pres is located in the sixth arrondissement, just south of the Seine River. It’s one of the best places to stay in Paris, period! Whether you’re visiting with kids, on a honeymoom or for work – you’ll love it.
Named after the Saint Germain des Pres Abbey, founded in the sixth century and still in use, the neighborhood name is frequently shortened to simply St. Germain.
The neighborhood was (and is) an artistic hotbed, having been the former stomping grounds to some of the most famous artists and writers of the 20th century (Picasso, Hemingway, Delacroix). Don’t be surprised if you find Saint Germain inspiring too.
And with its central location you have the entire French capital at your disposal. As one of the best places to stay in Paris you won’t need to travel outside the neighborhood in search of fun, but you can easily do it if you so choose.
Things to do in Saint Germain
Peruse the Musee National Eugene Delacroix:
Eugene Delacroix was a historic and influential French painter who helped pioneer the romantic art movement. He once called St. Germain home, and his former apartment has been transformed into a museum.
There you’ll be welcomed by the artist’s paintings that showcase his career from beginning to end. The Musée National Eugene Delacroix is open every day except for Tuesday and tickets can (and should) be booked online.
You’ll come across letters, sketches and photographs that give visitors a glimpse into the painter’s school of thought. His approach to painting was unique for the time and inspired future artists like Vincent van Gogh.
Since the Delacroix Museum is managed by the Louvre, you have the option of booking a combination ticket that allows you to visit both museums within a 48 hour span.
Pick up your favorite skincare products at Citypharma:
Think I’m kidding? I’m not! More than one person has traveled to France in search of discounted skin-care and in this field Citypharma is the mecca.
Seriously – I’d consider Saint-Germain one of the best places to stay in Paris just so I don’t have to lug a heavy bag full of moisturizers, shampoos and serums across the city (which yes, I’ve done).
Like a kid in a candy store, Citypharma is addicting. I recommend doing some research prior to visiting since the wide selection can be overwhelming. Not to mention all the labels are in French!
Visit the Abbey of Saint-Germain des Pres:
The Church of Saint Germain des Pres is considered the oldest church in Paris. It was constructed as an abbey (the home of monks or nuns) in the sixth century to house relics taken during the Frankish Siege of Saragossa.
And if you wonder what relics are so special they warrant the construction of an abbey? None other than the St. Vincent’s tunic and a piece from the True Cross (the cross Jesus Christ was crucified on).
Although the church’s history dates back to the 6th century the current building has had a series of remodels. These include being completely rebuilt twice after being attacked by Vikings!
The current church wasn’t officially completed until 1641. Best of all the Church of Saint Germain des Pres is free and doesn’t require advanced reservation.
Where to eat in Saint Germain
There’s more than a few great places to grab a bite in Saint Germain, here are some of my favorites:
- Cafe: Cafe de Flore has nonstop lines, but don’t worry they move quick. This famous cafe is a great place for a coffee but the food is over-priced for what it is. Stick to drinks and pastries.
- Lunch: Les Deux Magots is arguably the most famous cafe in Paris, if not the world. A favorite dining destination for early 20th century artists, you can find a hearty lunch and a glass of wine here.
- Desserts: Lauderee is a popular dessert shop with locations all across the globe. Swing by for some of their macarons – the treat that made them famous.
Best hotels in Saint Germain
Saint Germain can’t be one of the best places to stay in Paris and not have its own article. 15 Inspiring Things to Do Saint Germain (That’ll Leave You in Awe) has more fun things to keep you busy.
Two Paris Neighborhoods to Avoid
Pigalle
Pigalle has a lot of things going for it. It’s to the south of Montmartre and has easy access to a lot of the neighborhood’s main attractions.
The reason it’s not one of the best places to stay in Paris is because its lewd and suggestive nature. After the success of the Moulin Rouge a swarm of adult entertainment stores flooded the neighborhoods. The neighborhood even gained the nickname “Pig-Alley” during World War II because of its raunchy reputation.
There’s more than one store in the neighborhood advertising adult entertainment and such along main roads in Pigalle. If you’re deciding where to stay in Paris and you’re an adult it might not be a deal breaker, but it’s something to consider when traveling with kids.
Area Around the Eiffel Tower
Hey just because the Eiffel Tower is the city’s most famous landmark doesn’t mean you have to live under it. In fact, the area around the Eiffel Tower is largely barren of tourist attractions.
The tower is in the seventh arrondissement and requires either a long walk or subway ride to get to.
You can still visit, in fact I think it’s a non-negotiable, but when deciding where to stay in Paris I’d stay more towards the city center. This way you can come and go as you please, but also have access to the rest of the city.
Not to mention hotels around the Eiffel Tower will often cost an arm and a leg, even if you don’t have any views of it. Spend that extra money on an experience and buy a subway ticket to the Eiffel Tower instead.
Tips for Visiting Paris
- Wear comfortable shoes: Visiting Paris in the spring means you’ll be outside exploring majority of your trip. The weather is too good to pass up on! Knowing you’ll be putting miles on your shoes, make sure to pack a pair that are comfortable and reliable. This is NOT the time to break in new shoes.
- Book your tickets in advance: Like you, many other people want to see Paris in the spring. The weather starts warming up and folks come out of the woodwork. Book any tickets for major attractions (Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Etc.) well in advance.
- Wear sunscreen: You know I’m a stickler for sunscreen! Here’s the only sunscreen I recommend. I’ve been using it exclusively for the past 8+ years and can’t recommend it enough.
- Remember that most Paris businesses close in the afternoon: The French have leisure down to a science. So much so that in the middle of the day most businesses will close for a few hours in the afternoon, usually from noon to 2PM. Plan on eating before or after this time frame!
- Learn some basic phrases in French: When visiting a foreign country it’s important to remember, we’re not in Kansas in anymore. Although English is widespread in Paris don’t assume everybody speaks it. Not to mention it’s just plain ol’ good manners when visiting someone’s home to abide by their customs. Some good phrases to learn include hello (bonjour), yes (oui), no (non), please (sil vous plait) and thank you (merci).
Will I be disappointed while visiting Paris?
Listen, you know I’m all about honesty, and I never want to mislead you. So let’s chat about this.
Moreso than any other city, Paris is able to captivate a special place in a person’s heart long before they board the plane for their first visit to Paris. Why is that? I’m guessing it has to do with the glorification of the City of Light in the movies and shows we watch growing up.
There’s no denying that Paris is a romanticized city. As such, it’s inevitable that folks may find themselves almost let down during a first visit to Paris, so much so that there’s an actual term for this: Paris Syndrome.
To set yourself up for success, remember this: Paris is a real city. I know this sounds like an odd thing to say, almost like an understatement, but it warrants saying.
Everyday people live and work in Paris and it’s not all glory and Gucci every Tuesday morning. This is a real place where people are rushing to work, garbage bags are tossed on the street and the occasional waiter wishes you would greet them with “bonjour” over “hello.”
It’s a beautiful city, too. There’s so much to enjoy and so many great things to do in Paris, keep your mind open as you experience everything the City of Light has to offer. I’m sure you’ll have a great time, and this quick list will guide you in the right direction.
Where to stay in Paris: Post Summary
In summary, here are best places to stay in Paris:
The Latin Quarter
- Visit the Luxembourg Gardens
- Enjoy a sunset on the Seine
- Visit the Pantheon
- Peruse the National Museum of Natural History
- Le Coupe Chou
- Le Piano Vache
- A. Lacroix Patisserie
- Hôtel Central Saint Germain
- Hotel La Lanterne and Spa
- Maison Colbert member of Meliá Collection
Bastille
- Grab some drinks
- Shop the Marche Bastille
- Enjoy a show at the Bastille Opera
- Aux 2 Anges
- Fujiyaki Japanese Restaurant
- Berliner Wunderbar
- Hotel Albe Bastille
- Le Marceau Bastille
- Maison Bregeut
Le Marais
- Visit one of the many museums
- Max out your credit card
- Picnic at the Place des Vosges
- Snap a photo at the Hôtel de Ville
- Back in Black
- Chez Janou
- Collier de la Reine
- Hotel de Roubaix
- Hôtel Saint-Louis Marais
- Cour des Vosges
Montmartre
- Tour the Sacre Couer
- Catch a show at Moulin Rouge
- Get your portrait done at Place du Tertre
- Peruse the artwork at Le Musée de Montmartre
- KB Café
- Le Consulat
- Terrass Hotel’s Rooftop Bar
- Holiday Inn: Montmartre
- Maison Barbes
- Manolita Paris
Opera District
- Drain your savings at Galeries Lafayette
- Enjoy a show at Palais Garnier
- Visit the Musée de la Vie Romantique
- Mamiche
- Restaurant Mieux
- Wine Therapy Bar à Vins & Bistrot
- Hôtel des 3 Poussins
- Hotel Trinite Haussman
- Maison Souquet
Saint-Germain des Pres
- Peruse the Musee National Eugene Delacroix
- Pick up your favorite skincare products at Citypharma
- Visit the Abbey of Saint-Germain des Pres
- Cafe de Flore
- Les Deux Magots
- Lauderee
- Grand Hotel des Balcons
- Best Western Aramis Saint-Germain
- Hotel Lutetia
Two Areas to Avoid
- Pigalle
- Seventh-Arrondissement
Best Places to Stay in Paris: Map
More Paris Guides to Help Plan Your Trip
I have written about my experiences exploring the French capital in multiple helpful guides. After deciding where to stay in Paris you’ll be left planning what you’ll be doing, and these guides will prove to be helpful.
And there you have it, folks. A long (and hopefully helpful) guide on deciding where to stay in Paris. I hope you found the guide helpful in choosing where to stay.
Until next time, cheers!
Antonina
